Dale Steyn and Graeme Swann

Just having a think about (imo) the two best bowlers of their respective crafts in the world. These guys are immense. In an era of flatter (b)pitches where a batting average of 50 is the new 45, Steyn has 211 wickets at 23 and Swann has 113 wickets at 26. WFGs.

Using my highly unscientific methods, if we apply the 45=50 batting average theory then Steyn has a bowling average of 18 and Swann 21.

But srsly, achieving what these two are doing in this day and age is no mean feat. Especially for Swann. Fingerspin isn't dead outside the subcontinent, even if Dan the Man is turning into a batting allrounder these days.

This thread is for appreciating these d00dz and having a good over their awesomeness. Excessive use of "Swanneh," Steyn/Cumming jokes, drooling over South African fast bowling stocks and Corrin vs Burgey posting is not only permitted and expected but actively encouraged.

Pooing the "lack of quality fast bowlers," first chance average, 4000 word multi quote posts and other boring thread killers will cause the offender to be shot on sight.

Anyway, these guys are fantastic cricketers and I love watching both of them play.

Steyn! Swanneh!

Originally Posted by Athlai

Jeets doesn't really deserve to be bowling.

Originally Posted by Athlai

Well yeah Tendy is probably better than Bradman, but Bradman was 70 years ago, if he grew up in the modern era he'd still easily be the best. Though he wasn't, can understand the argument for Tendy even though I don't agree.

I hadn't watched too much of Swann before this summer but the man is sheer brilliance. I love the pace at which he bowls and the way he drives through his run-up. I still think he has some big tests to pass over the next year (Australia down under and when India tour England) while Steyn has already had opportunities to prove himself up to those challenges. Should be interesting to watch.

It is quite astonishing to see just how much Swann has improved in just one year. To think that just ~14 months ago he was just dishing up full tosses to feast on. Now he's turning them square on most everything.

"The PFA does not represent players when they have broken the law and been convicted on non-football matters."- Gordon Taylor in 2009 following Marlon King's release after a prison sentence for sexual assault & ABH

I agree that Swann and Steyn are the best things around at the moment.I love Steyns' bowling action,its really smooth and the line and length he bowls are brilliiant. Swanny seems to be actually spinning it more now that he's ever done,he's always been a big turner of the ball,but seems to have moved it to another level of late.I think this summer will be making of Swanny, people said he wouldn't achieve much in South Africa last winter, but were proved wrong, I think in the Ashes he will still surprise us.

They're the best things for test cricket atm. Sehwag not far behind. All of them are just amazing to watch, and you almost can't look away for a second, because every ball they bowl/face, anything can happen.

"I am very happy and it will allow me to have lot more rice."

Eoin Morgan on being given a rice cooker for being Man of the Match in a Dhaka Premier Division game.

Using my highly unscientific methods, if we apply the 45=50 batting average theory then Steyn has a bowling average of 18 and Swann 21

Whoa! Murali would have averaged something close to 15 if that method used!

But for Swann big test lies ahead. Bowling against Sehwag, Tendulkar and Raina (if he makes the team) will show how good he is actually. If the Aussie wickets are usual roads that used to be that will be a big test too.

Member of the Sanga fan club. (Ugh! it took me so long to become a real fan of his)

Whoa! Murali would have averaged something close to 15 if that method used!

But for Swann big test lies ahead. Bowling against Sehwag, Tendulkar and Raina (if he makes the team) will show how good he is actually. If the Aussie wickets are usual roads that used to be that will be a big test too.

And if Swann passes the Ashes test (even if ENG lose) & bowling to those IND batsmen next summer in England. Talk of him being equal to Jim Laker or better than him, as England's greatest offie will have to be seriously considered.

But for Swann big test lies ahead. Bowling against Sehwag, Tendulkar and Raina (if he makes the team) will show how good he is actually. If the Aussie wickets are usual roads that used to be that will be a big test too.

My gut feeling says that he might do OK in the Ashes, and average against one of the best batting lineups against spin in the history of the game. Let's see.

"I want to raise my hand and say one thing. Those who complain about my love for the game or commitment to the game are clueless. These are the only 2 areas where I give myself 100 out of 100."
- Sachin Tendulkar, as told in an interview published in Bengali newspaper Anandabazar Patrika after his 100th International century (translated by weldone)